Something I can’t control

“- Self-harm (DSH) is listed in the DSM-IV-TR as a symptom of borderline personality disorder. The motivations for self-harm vary and it may be used to fulfill a number of different functions.These functions include self-harm being used as a “coping mechanism” which provides temporary relief of intense feelings such as anxiety, distress, depression, anger, stress, emotional numbness or a sense of failure, self-loathing etc. – There is also an increased risk of suicide in individuals who self-harm (40-60%) and the risk of serious injury and suicide is higher in older people (+24y.o).– A common belief regarding self-harm is that it is an attention-seeking behaviour; however, in most cases, this is inaccurate! Many self-harmers are very self-conscious of their wounds and scars and feel guilty about their behaviour leading them to go to great lengths to conceal their behaviour from others.They may offer alternative explanations for their injuries, or conceal their scars with clothing. – Self-harm may become a means of managing and controlling pain, in contrast to the pain experienced earlier in the sufferers life of which they had no control over. Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa often are co-related to signs of DSH and also deserve a special attention.– Those episodes of DSH often happens after negative emotional states triggered by perceived rejection, being alone or perceived failure…”